Global Reaction

Premier: China ready to extend a hand

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-03-15 07:16

BEIJING - Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday expressed condolences and sympathy to victims of Japan's earthquake and tsunami and said China stands ready to give Japan more help.

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"I want to use today's opportunity to extend our deep condolences for the loss of life in this disaster and to express our sincere sympathy to the Japanese people," Wen said at a news conference. "China is also a country that is prone to earthquakes and we fully empathize with how the Japanese people feel now," he added.

He recalled that when the massive Wenchuan earthquake hit in May 2008, the Japanese government sent a rescue team to China and also offered supplies.

A 15-member Chinese rescue team arrived in Japan on Monday and "we have provided relief supplies to Japan. We will continue to provide further necessary aid to Japan in accordance with their needs", Wen said.

China has donated 30 million yuan ($4.56 million) in relief supplies to Japan. The first consignment, which includes 2,000 quilts, 900 tents and 200 emergency illumination devices, already arrived in Tokyo on Monday, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

More supplies will be delivered by air as soon as possible, based on the needs of the Japanese government and people, according to Yao Jian, spokesman for the ministry.

China Daily